All posts by Kari Eakins

Partnering with Higher Ed

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

There will be no update from me next Friday. Memos will still be sent to superintendents on Fridayin advance of Monday’s public release. I will be at the Women’s Antelope Hunt in Ucross.

Wyoming is embarking on so much work to improve teaching and learning for students. I am particularly encouraged by partnerships that impact policy where government, teachers, education leaders, the employer community, higher education, and others work together. Solutions only arise when all the right people are working together.

It is a pleasure to represent K12 education as a member of the Community College Commission and as a trustee at the University of Wyoming. Seamless transitions from high school to post-secondary is something we talk a lot about but struggle to operationalize. In our math standards review and development work we are moving full steam ahead.

The math standards review committee has representation from higher education, K12, and business. We intentionally boosted the involvement of post-secondary members and asked them to work across grade bands. They give valuable input on the progression of math skills from Kindergarten through 12th grade and beyond.

We all know there is no such thing as a “silver bullet” to solve complex education issues like college math remediation. That’s one reason we will continue to think carefully about how assessment, professional development, and more can be utilized or enhanced to improve student outcomes. Underpinning this work are ongoing conversations between the K12 and higher education communities.

State Superintendent Jillian Balow, Community College Commission Executive Director Jim Rose, and University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols sit at a conference table having a discussion.
Superintendent Balow, Dr. Jim Rose, and UW President Laurie Nichols discuss math alignment between high school and college
State Superintendent Jillian Balow stands at the podium speaking at the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance conference. A banner behind her reads, "Creating Partnerships, Building Programs, Strengthening Youth."
Superintendent Balow at the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance Fall Conference in Cheyenne
State Superintendent Jillian Balow and U.S. Senator John Barrasso with Wyoming's FFA State Officer Team at a fundraising event.
The FFA State Officer Team at the Blue Jeans Ball in Bar Nunn

Memos to be released on Monday, October 9:

Jillian

A Busy Week

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was good to see many of you at this week at various meetings. There’s a lot of great work being done in every corner of this state!

Governor Mead sits at a desk to sign the proclamation with State Superintendent Jillian Balow and four principals standing behind him.
Governor Mead proclaimed October National Principals Month in Wyoming.
Five students and a teacher sit at a table facing members of the Joint Education Interim Committee to testify about computer science.
Students from Powell and Laramie testifying about computer science at the Joint Education Interim Committee meeting in Casper.
WDE staff sit at a conference table talking and laughing.
Staff from the Individual Learning Division working on a data drill down.
WDE staff sit and talk with AIR staff at a conference table in the WDE.
WDE content area and assessment teams meeting with AIR to get ready for the new WY-TOPP assessment.

Memos to be released on Monday, October 2:

Jillian

Boys & Girls Club Breakfast

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was, once again, a pleasure to attend the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming annual breakfast. This year Henry Winkler, best known as “The Fonz” was the keynote speaker. He told his compelling story about growing up with dyslexia and his drive to be an actor.

Each year the Boys and Girls Clubs across the state select “youth of the year.”  Local and state winners receive scholarship money. At the breakfast, UW President Nichols announced that the university will increase scholarship dollars to club students and expand college visit opportunities. Best of luck to all of the outstanding youth who are finding their way with the help of clubs.

The Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming and other clubs across the state receive Title IV-B funds, also known as 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grants. Here is how this important federal funding is utilized in Wyoming:

  • In 2015-16, over 8,100 students participated in 21st CCLC school year programs with 52% or 4,265 attending regularly (30+ days each year). Summer programs served over 7,000 students.
  • Active 21CCLC grants in 21 of 23 Wyoming counties.
  • Grants range from $94,075-$200,000
  • 53% of Subgrantees are school districts with community partnerships and 47% are community-based organizations, primarily non-profit, with school district partners.
  • FY 2016 21CCLC Allocation to WY was $5,716,698 with 95.5% of allocation going direction to subgrantees.
Peter Wold speaks from a podium on the stage at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming's Back-a-Kid Breakfast in the Casper Events Center.
Peter Wold accepts recognition at the BGCCW Breakfast

Business and Industry Partnerships 

This week, WDE staff and education leaders from across the state attended and presented at a number of conferences including Wyoming Working Together, an annual conference sponsored by the Wyoming Economic Development Association, Chambers of Commerce, and the Business Council. As computer science and career pathways gain a greater foothold, partnerships between education and business/industry become even more essential.

The Wyoming Business Alliance will host the Governor’s Business Forum in Cheyenne on November 7-9. Former State Superintendent Judy Catchpole, Dr. Laurel Ballard of WDE, and Senator Affie Ellis who is a member of the Senate Education Committee, are all presenting. Again, the connections between business, industry, education, and economic growth are at the forefront of many conversations in our state.

Link to WBA agenda                                                        WBA Registration Link

Judicial Learning Center

Wyoming PBS will feature our state’s Judicial Learning Center (JLC) in an upcoming episode of Wyoming Chronicle. This week, Former Chief Justice Marilyn Kite and I took PBS’s Craig Blumenshine on a tour through the JLC. This is a one-of-a-kind experience for students and patrons of all ages. The JLC, open for less than a year, has been enjoyed by many classes, groups, and citizens. The JLC is full of learning opportunities with all activities aligned to the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards.

Do you have teachers in your district who could develop a great lesson plan about Wyoming’s judicial system? The JLC is holding a contest and the deadline to submit lesson plans is extended. The grand prize winner receives $2500.

JLC Website                                                                    Lesson Plan Contest 

State Superintendent Jillian Balow stands with Former Chief Justice Marilyn Kite in the Judicial Learning Center while filming a PBS special.
Former Chief Justice Marilyn Kite and I take Wyoming PBS on a “tour” through the Judicial Learning Center
 Memos to be released on Monday, September 26:

Jillian

Call for Participants: Social Studies Standards Review Committee

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is seeking state residents interested in serving on the Wyoming Social Studies Standards Review Committee. The committee will review the state social studies standards to ensure the cultural heritage, history, and contemporary contributions of American Indians are addressed. This work will be done in cooperation with tribes of the region, including the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Indian tribes. The committee will begin meeting this fall, with 3-5 days of webinars and meetings from October through January.

Anyone interested in serving on this committee should complete the Call for Participants Survey. The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on October 1, 2017.

Completing this survey expresses interest in participating, but does not commit anyone to serving on the Review Committee. Standards committee members will be chosen from the list of those interested, and will be contacted directly through email to confirm their participation.

In addition, the WDE is collecting feedback regarding possible revisions to the Wyoming Social Studies Content and Performance Standards addressing Native American history, culture, and contemporary contributions. The Social Studies Standards Review Committee will consider this input as they begin the standards review process. Input can be given online through the end of October.

-END-

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

Thunder Basin High School Dedication

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was an honor to help dedicate the new Thunder Basin High School in my hometown, Gillette. This was one stop of several I made across the state–I really appreciated seeing so many many students, educators, and citizens in my travels this week.

Campbell County School District Superintendent #1, Dr. Boyd Brown, stands at the podium in Thunder Basin High School gym full of students, staff, and community members while a staff member reads the Governor's proclamation.
Dr. Brown is presented with a Governor’s Proclamation during the dedication of Thunder Basin High School
Students sit in the bleachers at Thunder Basin High School's gym during the dedication ceremony for the school. The words "BASIN NATION" are written in blue on the wall above where they are sitting with thunderbolts painted on each side representing the new schools' mascot.
Thunder Basin Bolts

Federal Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives passed FY18 appropriations for education this week. This is not a final budget, but, rather, the order of business that advances the budget process. Both the House and the Senate budget bills maintain Title I funding. However, the House Bill eliminates Title II funding, while the Senate bill keeps it. This discrepancy is a significant concern and I will be involved in national efforts to restore important Title II funding for schools.

Visit from Secretary DeVos

Wyoming welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as she kicked off the ReThink School tour. She visited two schools, Woods Learning Center-Casper and St. Stephens High School-Fremont County. At both sights, the secretary emphasized the importance of tailoring education to the unique needs of students, communities, and our state.

Dr. Hales talks to the runners before they begin their race at the Hereford Ranch.
Dr. Hales shares history of the Hereford Ranch with runners before the Wyoming Ag in the Classroom 5K run

There are a number of pertinent memos this week for teachers, counselors, and federal funds managers. Thank you for your consistent review of memos before they are released and for helping to ensure they are passed onto appropriate staff.

Memos to be released on Monday, September 18:

Jillian

ACT Results and WY-TOPP Testing

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

ACT scores for the class of 2017 were published this week. Here is a link to the media release from WDE:

Media Release: Class of 2017 ACT Results

A few key takeaways for Wyoming:

  • Wyoming saw incremental growth across the board–partial point gains are important on this measure.
  • Wyoming scored in the top half of states that administer the ACT to all students with less than a point separating us from #2 Colorado.
  • 49% of students reported they were interested in a STEM career or STEM major. Wyoming workforce and labor data indicate that high demand occupations include semiconductor processors, wind turbine technicians, OT/PT aides, and nurse practitioners.
  • Students taking the test two or more times had an average composite score of 22.4.

WY-TOPP Test the System Day

On Tuesday, September 5, about 25% of the districts participated in a “test the system” day. The purpose of the day was to test the state infrastructure for WY-TOPP with actual student traffic and to give schools an opportunity to interact with the new assessment. WDE staff visited 17 schools during the “test the test” day and debriefed afterward. Here are a few takeaways:

  • The state infrastructure handled the statewide traffic and almost all were able to access the WY-TOPP platform without assistance.
  • Kinks occurred at the local level and most were easily addressed, i.e. secure browsers, firewalls, etc.
  • Students used computers, laptops, and tablets in mobile labs and in hard-wired labs. We were pleased to see the variety and how the state infrastructure handled it.
  • WDE will continue to work with schools and districts.
  • All schools should set up a local “test the system” date and use the training test that will remain live at wyoassessment.org

Two fourth-grade boys sit at a table in their classroom looking at laptops in which they are taking the training test for Wyoming's new statewide assessment. One of them has his tongue sticking out slightly in a look of concentration.

State Superintendent Jillian Balow smiles while sitting next to a fifth-grade student as he concentrates on a laptop which hosts the training test for Wyoming's new statewide assessment.

Memo to be released on September 11:

Jillian

School Performance Ratings

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

School Performance Reports (SPRs) were made public this week along with this media release. Main points from my comments to media included:

  • The number of schools meeting or exceeding expectations increased
  • The number of schools not meeting expectations decreased
  • 7 schools jumped two levels
  • 13 schools exceeded expectations for three or more years in a row
  • Goal must be to increase the number of high schools exceeding expectations
  • Next year’s report will be more comprehensive and fulfill federal and state requirements for reporting
  • The WDE will continue to work with schools and districts to provide support and professional development

ESSA

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) states will annually publish a report card that meaningfully differentiates school performance. Since Wyoming is moving toward one, comprehensive accountability system, our report card will fulfill state and federal requirements for reporting student data and differentiating school performance. Additionally, local report cards must be generated. Each district must disseminate an annual report card with specific information for each school. WDE will provide more information in the coming months–this is a new responsibility for local districts.

Here is an information sheet about the federal public reporting requirement for schools and districts.

 An article this week in Education Dive raises awareness about the responsibilities of schools under ESSA and some of the challenges you and principals may face this coming school year.

 On ESSA: Many principals have little idea what the law actually means

A group sits at a table talking during a meeting at the WDE.
Construction at the WDE is almost complete—this group is planning the next Wyoming Career Readiness Council (WCRC) meeting. L-R: Robin Grandpre (WDE), Carmalee Rose (Workforce Services), Laurel Ballard (WDE), Mark Madsen (Simon Contractors)

WY-TOPP Upcoming Date

September 5 is the statewide “WY-TOPP Test the System” day. All schools and media outlets have received information about this unique opportunity for teachers, students, and members of the media and public to sample the new assessment. The test is not mandatory but it’s important that at least one school in every school district participates so we can work out technology kinks before the test goes live.

Toolkit

The number of weekly memos is beginning to increase as the school year gets underway. For the second year, we developed a back-to-school toolkit. Included in the toolkit is our statewide Education Snapshot. This was very popular last year and many school districts used it as a template to create a district snapshot. We are excited to offer it again with new information and data.

WYOMING EDUCATION SNAPSHOT

A view of the cover of the snapshot shows the Wyoming Department of Education's URL, edu.wyoming.gov, and mission to Create opportunities for students to keep Wyoming strong with the vision To significantly increase the percentage of Wyoming students that are College, Career, and Military Ready. A stock photo of colored pencils, an eraser, a ruler, a calculator and a notebook in a bright green backpack is also seen.

Memos to be released on Tuesday, September 5:

Jillian

2017 School Performance Ratings Released for Wyoming Schools

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) released school performance ratings today. The state accountability measure shows that the majority of Wyoming schools are Meeting or Exceeding Expectations, and the number of schools Not Meeting Expectations is dropping.

“Schools are starting to make the progress they have been asked to make,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “Especially when you look at our elementary and middle schools, they are focusing on growth and equity, and getting results. As we put our state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act into motion, and include post-secondary readiness for high schools, I hope to see even more progress.”

The 2016-17 School Performance Level Accountability table shows that in the 2016-17 school year, there was a grand total of 337 public schools in Wyoming. During that school year, 41 schools were rated at the level of Exceeding Expectations, 147 schools were rated as Meeting Expectations, 90 schools were rated as Partially Meeting Expectations, 35 schools were rated as Not Meeting Expectations, and 24 schools will undergo a Small School Review. In grades 3-8 there were a total of 268 schools. Of those schools, 40 schools were rated at the level of Exceeding Expectations, 112 schools were rated as Meeting Expectations, 68 schools were rated as Partially Meeting Expectations, 25 schools were rated as Not Meeting Expectations, and 23 schools will undergo a Small School Review. In grades 9-12 there were a total of 53 schools. Of those schools, 1 school was rated at the level of Exceeding Expectations, 30 schools were rated as Meeting Expectations, 12 schools were rated as Partially Meeting Expectations, 9 schools were rated as No Meeting Expectations, and 1 school will undergo a Small School Review. There were also 16 K-12 schools. Of those, no schools were rated at the level of Exceeding Expectations, 5 schools were rated as Meeting Expectations, 10 schools were rated as Partially Meeting Expectations, 1 school was rated as Not Meeting Expectations, and no schools will undergo a Small School Review.

This data does not include school performance ratings for alternative high schools. The alternative high school accountability model is in its final pilot year for the 2017-18 school year.

A graphic for Wyoming School Performance for Grades 3-8 shows that during the 2014-15 school year, 16.3% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 35.0% were Meeting Expectations, 33.5% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 15.2% were Not Meeting Expectations. In the 2015-16 school year, 16.9% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 40.4% were Meeting Expectations, 29.6% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 13.1% were Not Meeting Expectations. In the 2016-17 school year, 15.3% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 44.8% were Meeting Expectations, 29.9% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 10.0% were Not Meeting Expectations.

A graphic for Wyoming School Performance for Grades 9-12 (Does not include data from alternative high schools) shows that during the 2014-15 school year, 9.0% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 50.7% were Meeting Expectations, 22.4% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 17.9% were Not Meeting Expectations. In the 2015-16 school year, 7.2% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 60.9% were Meeting Expectations, 15.9% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 15.9% were Not Meeting Expectations. In the 2016-17 school year, 1.5% of those schools were Exceeding Expectations, 51.5% were Meeting Expectations, 32.4% were Partially Meeting Expectations, and 14.7% were Not Meeting Expectations.

Thirteen Wyoming schools have exceeded expectations for three consecutive years, and will be recognized at the State Superintendent’s 2018 Policy Summit.

Seven schools raised their performance rating by two:

  • Burlington Middle School, Big Horn #1
  • Glenrock Middle School, Converse #2
  • Davis Elementary, Laramie #1
  • Desert Middle School, Sweetwater #1
  • Harrison Elementary, Sweetwater #2
  • Torrington High School, Goshen #1
  • Central High School, Laramie #1

Under the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act, schools serving grades 3-8 are rated on achievement, growth, and equity indicators. Indicators for high schools also include graduation rates, 9th grade credits earned, and Hathaway Scholarship eligibility.

As part of Wyoming’s transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), no federal accountability determinations were made for the 2016-17 school year. Starting in the 2017-18 school year, school performance will be published on a report card that includes information required by both state and federal law.

School Performance Ratings can be found here.

-END-

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

WY-TOPP Update

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

After Monday, I have placed “Implement Total Eclipse Annually” at the top of my policy priority list. Wasn’t that amazing? Thank you for making it special for the students and families in your community!

Good job, Wyoming, for welcoming visitors and making it a special day for everyone!

A dozen children sit outside on a trampoline wearing eclipse safety glasses to watch the solar eclipse.

Wyoming kids (including mine) enjoy the Great American Eclipse

WY-TOPP Assessment in Action

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) and WDE officially kicked off our partnership with a tour of the WY-TOPP assessment and the reporting/data dashboard. Technical discussions to ensure smooth implementation of the assessment system are also underway.

On September 5th we will test the system statewide starting at 9:00 a.m. to make sure everything is in place for WY-TOPP. This is a great opportunity for teachers, administrators, parents, and local media to get a hands-on peek. Participants on September 5th will experience the training test and explore sample question types. I am excited to participate in this event at a local school.

The WDE will provide additional information about the system test soon.

WDE and AIR staff sit at a conference table while meeting about the new state assessment system, WY-TOPP.

AIR and WDE meet to kick off our WY-TOPP partnership

Memos to be released on August 28:

Jillian

Big ESSA News

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The big news for this week is that I signed Wyoming’s completed state plan as required under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This signifies the official end to No Child Left Behind. The shift from compliance and success for some students (NCLB) to responsibility and success for all students through a well-rounded education (ESSA) will not happen overnight. Through the development of this stakeholder-driven plan, we examined our strengths and weaknesses and are on a path to better prepare students for school and post-secondary success.

Wyoming’s plan is submitted well ahead of the September 18 deadline because it’s important that Wyoming educators begin the 2017-18 school year with a clear path forward under the new law. As has been our practice, we will continue to update you as we learn information about ESSA and the approval of our plan.

Here is a link to the media release and plan:

https://edu.wyoming.gov/blog/2017/08/18/wyomings-essa-state-plan-submitted-to-used/

Superintendent Balow smiles and holds the signed copy of Wyoming's ESSA State Plan shortly after signing it at Laramie County Community College.

Superintendent Balow holds Wyoming’s signed ESSA plan.

Memos to be released on Monday, August 21:

Best to all as you begin your new school year AND take part in the great eclipse!

Jillian